The Sad Fate of the Deportee

By David Johanssen

More than any other time in history, immigrants in America are fearful of mass deportations. The “election year rhetoric” has inflamed the issue with Donald Trump threatening to somehow deport 11 million immigrants. The majority of Mexican immigrants deported from the US are sent back through Tijuana, often landing in the makeshift shantytown called “El Bordo.”

Documentary and DiscussionFidel Castro: A Life of RevolutionFri, May 6, 5pm50 pesos Documentary and DiscussionSpirits of the Jaguar 3/4: “Hunters of the Caribbean”Sat, May 7, 5pm50 pesosFeature Film and DiscussionHostile BorderWed, May 11, 5pm100 pesos (includes drink)Documentary and DiscussionPanama Papers: Secrets of the Super RichFri, May 13, 5pm50 pesos Documentary and DiscussionSpirits of the Jaguar 4/4: “Fifth World of the Aztecs”Sat, May 14, 5pm50 pesosAll at Shelter TheaterVicente Guerrero 4154 7524

On Wednesday, May 11, at 5pm, Shelter presents Hostile Border, an exploration of the plight of the deported immigrants, often separated from their families and banished from their new home. This new feature film follows the transformative journey of a young woman confronting the dark places between her two cultures. Raised in the US and pursuing the American dream, Claudia is nevertheless an undocumented immigrant. When she’s arrested by the FBI for credit card fraud, she is quickly deported to México despite speaking no Spanish and having few ties other than her estranged father. Discussion follows this heart-wrenching film. 100 pesos (includes drink).

Friday, May 6, at 5pm, Fidel Castro: A Life of Revolution. This film is a deeply intimate account of Cuba’s former leader, taken largely from private letters, correspondence, speeches, and interviews. The film features interviews with some of Fidel Castro’s closest relatives (including his sister Juanita), friends, and confidants, and some former comrades who now count themselves among his enemies. 50 pesos.

We continue with Part 3 of our cultural education series on Saturday, May 7, at 5pm with Spirits of the Jaguar: “Hunters of the Caribbean.” The Taíno people are the virtually forgotten people who first occupied the Caribbean islands more than 2,000 years ago. Archaeologists believe the Taíno originally lived on the shores of northeastern South America, near present-day Venezuela. Join us for an in-depth look and discussion of this intriguing culture and its lost people. 50 pesos.

Shelter Theater is part of the Shelter VG4 Cultural Center, located at Vicente Guerrero 4, a short walk from the Jardín down Insurgentes. Telephone 154 75 24, or visit sheltervg4.com to see upcoming events. Shelter VG4’s theater and class/performance space are available for rent.